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My new baby! Very diff from my st 1100. More goodies and very affordable.
Sold '79 Goldwing, now what?
- Thread starter hairymonster
- Start date
If my ergonomics fit and I was going to buy another bike I would have to take a hard look at the CB1100
I had a couple [80 and 81] 650s and still think I'd like to try that again with a bit more power and if it sat
in the corner I'd never get tired of looking at it
I had a couple [80 and 81] 650s and still think I'd like to try that again with a bit more power and if it sat
in the corner I'd never get tired of looking at it
Donk
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...and I just bought a '79 Goldwing. Not as nice as hairymonster's but for the price I don't think I'll go wrong. Having a blast chasing down the parts to return it to stock on eBay. Runs ok. Going to be a fun project bike.
Sadlsor
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Looks amazing. The good news is, there are plenty of well-populated GoldWing forums to be found, with answers to every question (or close enough), and how to and where to find parts.
Would love to follow along... care to start a new thread here?
I follow a thread on ADVrider about folks who restore the 70s-era Wings.
For some reason, they seem to be more attractive to me today, than when they were new...
- Joined
- Sep 25, 2009
- Messages
- 939
- Age
- 70
- Location
- West Des Moines, IA
- Bike
- 2024 Kaw Vulcan S
- 2026 Miles
- 002060
Can't help it...
And since a Kawasaki Versys was mentioned. I really like my Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 ABS. Under 500 lbs (225 kg). Same engine and 6 speed transmission as the Versys 650 or Ninja 650 but not anywhere close to being as tall as those. Very low seat height at 27.8 inches (706 mm). Very easy to push around the garage. Very reasonably priced. Ergo-fit system if the dealer supports that program to fit the bike to the rider. Even though the foot controls look like forward controls I find they don't really feel all that much forward. Still a comfortable sitting position. More like the rear end of being classed as forward controls. I added a luggage rack with driver back rest and also Shad side cases to mine. Very comfy riding and very peppy due to Ninja heritage. Yes, also a chain bike just like the CB. I wasn't so sure about going with a chain but as mentioned chains are vastly improved. I've been cleaning and lubing the chain sooner than every 1000 miles with a dry/wax based spray cleaner/lube and using an old tooth brush and the chain looks like it's doing really well. Easy to do. I easily keep up with all the other bikes in my area except the Ninja and other sport bike riders who are all showing off. I ridden it on touring trips to STOC events for over 1000 miles round trip. A top case can be added but I use dry bags on the luggage rack.
And since a Kawasaki Versys was mentioned. I really like my Kawasaki Vulcan S 650 ABS. Under 500 lbs (225 kg). Same engine and 6 speed transmission as the Versys 650 or Ninja 650 but not anywhere close to being as tall as those. Very low seat height at 27.8 inches (706 mm). Very easy to push around the garage. Very reasonably priced. Ergo-fit system if the dealer supports that program to fit the bike to the rider. Even though the foot controls look like forward controls I find they don't really feel all that much forward. Still a comfortable sitting position. More like the rear end of being classed as forward controls. I added a luggage rack with driver back rest and also Shad side cases to mine. Very comfy riding and very peppy due to Ninja heritage. Yes, also a chain bike just like the CB. I wasn't so sure about going with a chain but as mentioned chains are vastly improved. I've been cleaning and lubing the chain sooner than every 1000 miles with a dry/wax based spray cleaner/lube and using an old tooth brush and the chain looks like it's doing really well. Easy to do. I easily keep up with all the other bikes in my area except the Ninja and other sport bike riders who are all showing off. I ridden it on touring trips to STOC events for over 1000 miles round trip. A top case can be added but I use dry bags on the luggage rack.
VFR1200X, Honda V4, Shaft Drive, upright seating. Easily updated to make more rideable by SabSteef. Plenty of them in your part of the world. New cruise control now available from Veridian in Alberta Canada. Mine is a 2016 and I love it. I don't have the cruise yet, but will this year.
Not as much fairing as the ST1300, but still a great bike. My ST1300, while very warm is not a roasting issue. I believe this is generally true but not necessarily as bad as it is made out to be by some.
Not as much fairing as the ST1300, but still a great bike. My ST1300, while very warm is not a roasting issue. I believe this is generally true but not necessarily as bad as it is made out to be by some.
I'm thinking about a 1200X. I currently have a 1200F that I have returned from the dead (an insurance write-off = really cheap but quite a few mechanical issues that I sorted) and there is a LOT to like about the bike, it is just a little committed in the ride position (even with Helibars). The X looks to offer a much improved position. The F has a stonking motor, is easy for a shorty like me to manage (slim dimensions for the step-over) and the heat management is an ST1300 owner's dream. I really wish Honda had made the ST version that was touted originally.
I'm thinking about a 1200X. I currently have a 1200F that I have returned from the dead (an insurance write-off = really cheap but quite a few mechanical issues that I sorted) and there is a LOT to like about the bike, it is just a little committed in the ride position (even with Helibars). The X looks to offer a much improved position. The F has a stonking motor, is easy for a shorty like me to manage (slim dimensions for the step-over) and the heat management is an ST1300 owner's dream. I really wish Honda had made the ST version that was touted originally.
I love the look of the F model and the stats for the engine.
I couldn't hack the rising position.
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At a youthful 61 years, I am happy enough over 4-5 hours with a few breaks; it is the same position as lots of other VFRs over the years, but I do find the seat a bit hard and the leg room could be better (there is a LOT of ground clearance in bends). The Helibars are an improvement but the bodywork (scallops in tank and upper fairing) mean there is just one position where they can go, which is still a bit far forward and has to have a slightly unnatural flat angle. The engine has a lot more power than I need or want and I suspect given the rev range I use, the X would feel just the same and maybe with a bit more low down as I believe the intake funnels are much longer than the F which would make for a more torquey bottom end.
Donk
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Thanks! Sure why not start another Goldwing thread.
In '75 I was riding a '74 750/4 with a Vetter. Honda came out with the Goldwing and honestly I remember my reaction being *****? But like Sadisor as time went on the naked Wings really grew on me. If nothing else this is one Goldwing that's not going to get chopped up into a semi cafe racer. I wish Honda would make a 4 cylinder 1000cc Goldwing Lite today. Be a pretty perfect bike for right now.
Hairymonster needs to post his '79 on the new thread too.
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the Ferret
Daily rider since May 1965
indeed a NEW naked 4 cyl liter class liquid cooled shaft drive wing around 500 pounds, 100 hp or so, 75 lb ft torque ... one can only dream